Urban Male Leadership Program

Meet the Staff

Michael A. Deas, L.M.S.W., Director

Mr. Deas was appointed Director of The Urban Male Leadership Program (UMLP) at Lehman College in August of 2008. He continues to create an abundance of program awareness across the Lehman campus as well as other Black Male Initiative campuses. Always putting the needs of the student first, he has developed a program to strengthen academic skills, personal development and character enrichment.

Prior to Mr. Deas’ appointment as Director of the UMLP, he was the New York City Director of Social Work for the Administration for Children’s Services Juvenile Justice Initiative. He is an Adjunct Professor at Herbert H. Lehman College (African and African American Studies Department) and at The College of New Rochelle (Social Work Department). In 2006 he became the Recipient of the Adjunct Excellence in Teaching Award at Lehman College. Mr. Deas is a skilled orator, who has often delivered speeches at Lehman College’s Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy celebration.

Michael Deas earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Lehman College and hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University. Mr. Deas has a long history working in public and private agencies providing support and services for children and families. Additionally, he serves as a motivational speaker, and is a U.S. Army Disabled Veteran.

Dominique Winters, CUNY Office Assistant

Dominique Winters is a John Jay College of Criminal Justice alum and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration. Mrs. Winters transferred from York College in Jamaica, Queens to work with the Urban Male Leadership program at Lehman College as a CUNY Office Assistant. In addition to working at York, she has worked at Bronx Community College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Mrs. Winters is passionate about working to support African American and Latino males, as well as all other students, pursue a higher education. When you call or visit the Urban Male Leadership office you will most often be greeted by Mrs. Winters who is more than willing to assist faculty, staff and students.

David Tavarez, Data Coordinator

David Tavarez is a recent Lehman College graduate, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business & Human Resource Management in May 2014. While at Lehman he excelled both in and outside the classroom volunteering as an ambassador and a mentor for the Urban Male Leadership Program since 2010. David was a Lehman L.I.F.E. (Leaders Involved for Everyone) member performing community service in and outside of his local community, including Caimito, San Juan, Puerto Rico and El Progreso, Honduras. Mr. Tavarez remains an active part of his community, participating in Community Service programs such as The Bronx is Blooming, 2013 ING NYC Marathon & 2014 NYC Half Marathon Fluid Stations, and POTS (Part of the Solution).

Mr. Tavarez has received various awards, including The CUNY Vice Chancellor’s Excellence in Leadership Award for 2013-2014, Champion of Service Award for 2013-2014, Outstanding Leadership in Service by a Graduating Senior for 2013-2014 presented, The Urban Male Leader of the Year award in 2012 and Most Outstanding Workshop Leader for 2012-2013. Mr. Tavarez was also selected as one of five Lehman College recipients to receive the 2014 Bronx Dominican Day Parade Scholarship.

Euston Harp, Outreach and Diversity Recruiter

Euston Shawn Harp is a current Lehman College student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Service Administration. He is altonso currently in the Army reserves. Mr. Harp has worked with numerous church programs in helping inner city youth focus on a positive route in life to include working and more importantly pursue higher education. He is very passionate and genuine in working with minority youth as he relates to them and is a key component in our program. As the Outreach and Diversity Recruiter Euston is very dedicated into bring new college students into our program ensuring these young men are groomed into future leaders and graduate on time.

Nathaniel C. Gasque, Mentorship Coordinator

Nathaniel C. Gasque graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lehman College in 2012 with departmental honors for Business Administration. He is also a member of the Golden Key Honor Society. Over the past 4 years, Mr. Gasque has held several prominent positions at Lehman College including Program Coordinator of Community Engagement and New Student Programs as well as Supervisor of the Transfer Coaching Program. He is also an original member of the Society of Urban Male Leaders, which was the very first line inducted into the Urban Male Leadership Program. As Mentorship Coordinator of the UMLP Circle of Support Mentorship program, Mr. Gasque is dedicated to working with the young men and women of Lehman College and assisting them on the path to success.

Diana Figueroa, Program Coordinator

Diana Figueroa has eight years of experience working at the New York City Council. She served as City Hall Office Manager at the New York City Council, 12th District. Ms. Figueroa was responsible for the daily management of the City Hall Office and facilitating district budget funding requests. The position required her to interface with City Council Central Staff and provide technical assistance to community organizations on Council funding for youth, senior and cultural discretionary programs. Her attentiveness to detail, technical and interpersonal skills, and ability to handle multiple professional assignments and special projects greatly benefited the Council Office, its several highly visible activities and over 150,000 district residents.

Diana earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government in May 2004 and a Masters of Public Administration-Inspector General in May 2007, both from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.